What is an Orthodontist?

To become an orthodontist you must graduate with a bachelor degree (B.A. / B.S.) from an accredited 4 year college or university. Then after completing 4 years of dental school, becoming a dentist, and receiving your Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), you must be accepted into an orthodontic residency program. Most “Ortho” programs are three years in length and consist of both classes and treating patients in the clinic. Some Ortho programs offer master’s degrees which is why there are more letters after certain orthodontists’ names, e.g. M.D.S., which means Master of Dental Science. Therefore, most orthodontists complete 11 years of “schooling” after receiving their high school diplomas.

Are they orthodontists if they do braces?

Only those that have received specialty training from an accredited orthodontic program can advertise as orthodontists. General dentists can advertise that they do braces, but they have not received the extensive specialty training that orthodontists have; therefore, it is illegal for them to claim to be an orthodontist. Pedodontists, or childrens’ dentists, also do braces and have received specialty training in dealing with the dentition of very young children, but again, have not received extensive specialty training in orthodontics.

Should I go to my dentist for braces?

Some very simple malocclusions, e.g. rotated teeth, can be treated by dentists and pedodontists, although most cases should be addressed by a trained orthodontist. It is best to be evaluated by an orthodontist to determine the severity of malocclusion and then make a decision that is best for your child or self. Considerations such as facial esthetics and growth and development are fundamental cornerstones of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment, as well as “just getting the teeth straight”.